- Author: Christina Muller
- Editor: Noni Todd
Becoming a Master Gardener
By Christina Muller UC Master Gardener
What do Master Gardeners do? How can I become one? Richard in Templeton
Do you enjoy gardening and have a desire to volunteer in the community? If you have time and energy to share, you might consider becoming a Master Gardener. The primary mission of the UC Master Gardener program is to educate the public about home gardening an d pest management. This program is the link between home gardeners and the University of California’s research based information.
There are many opportunities for San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners to help with the mission of education. One is the monthly ‘Advice to Grow By’ event held in the demonstration garden. Recent topics include summer fruit tree pruning, pest management, and sustainable landscaping. There are three Helpline offices in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Templeton to assist gardeners with their questions. Master Gardeners also have booths at various farmers’ markets and special events around the county. They are frequently requested to speak at service organization and garden club meetings. Finally, a docent program will be initiated next year for The Garden of the Seven Sisters to make this demonstration garden more available to the public. We are especially interested in bilingual applicants who can help us reach more of our gardening community.
Prior to volunteering, Master Gardener trainees attend classes taught by farm advisors and university professors. Afterwards, the new Master Gardener interns are required to perform at least 50 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education within a year. In following years, 25 volunteer hours are required to remain certified, but some people volunteer many more hours.
Please join us on Thursday, Oct 31 at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. and learn about all of the volunteer opportunities. If you wish to apply to the program, applications (due Friday, Nov 15) are available online at http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/Master_Gardener_Training_Program/ or by calling the SLO Helpline at 781-5939. Group interviews will be conducted in early December and training classes will be held on Thursday afternoons from mid-February until mid-June, 2014.